June 24 Quarterly Results
June 2024 Quarterly Report
31 July 2024
ASX Release
June 2024 Quarterly Report
Westgold Resources Limited (ASX:
WGX / OTCQX: WGXRF – “Westgold”)
is a dynamic, growth-oriented
Australian gold producer. As an
owner operator, we mine our
orebodies with our own people and
equipment, creating wealth for our
shareholders, employees and
communities in which we operate.
$16M cash build lifts treasury to $263M
Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX, OTCQX: WGXRF Westgold or the Company) is pleased to report results for the
period ending 30 June 2024 (Q4 FY24).
Highlights
Q4 FY24 gold production of 52,795oz Au @ AISC of
$2,041/oz
FY24 adjusted guidance achieved with gold
production of 227,237oz at AISC of $2,164/oz
Sixth consecutive quarter of cash build - growing
closing cash and bullion position by $16M to $263M
Continued safety performance improvementTotal Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) of
6.85 per million hours worked
Final Dividend of 1.25 cent per share fully franked
declared
Impressive drill results across the portfolio:
This announcement is
authorised for release to the
ASX by the Board.
■
3.03m at 546.56g/t Au from 205m in 24GFDD022
at Fingall Flats
■
19.21m at 6.1g/t Au from 66m NF1140GC129 at
Nightfall Lode (Starlight)
■
31.37m at 5.55g/t Au from 122m in 24BLDD064 at
Bluebird
■
11.29m at 4.3g/t Au from 45m in 24FNDD0017 at
Fender
■
24.5m at 3.31g/t Au from 543m in 22BBDD0116B
at Big Bell
Investor and media relations enquiries
Investor Relations
Kasun Liyanaarachchi | IR Manager
investor.relations@westgold.com.au
+61 458 564 483
Media
Peter Knight | Communications Manager
peter.knight@westgold.com.au
+61 459 980 481
41% increase in Starlight Mineral Resource to
590koz
Westgold remains debt free and fully unhedged
Merger with Karora Resources to build a
+400kozpa Western Australian gold producer to
complete 1 August 2024
Westgold Resources Limited
ASX: WGX / OTC: WGXRF
ABN 60 009 260 306
westgold.com.au
T: +61 8 9462 3400
E: perth.reception@westgold.com.au
Level 6, 200 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000 / PO Box 7068
Cloisters Square WA 6850
Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented:
“We are pleased to have delivered the top end of our adjusted full year production and bottom end of our cost
guidance for FY24. Guidance was adjusted in April 2024 to reflect the closure of the underperforming Paddy’s
Flat mine, but was a prudent business decision, demonstrating management’s resolve to prioritise cashflow
and profitability ahead of production targets.
Our business continues to evolve. Balancing prudent investment and pragmatic business decisions have seen
Westgold deliver its sixth consecutive quarter of positive cash build. In recognition of Westgold’s strong
financial position and growing confidence in its ability to generate further positive cash flow, the Westgold
Board declared a fully franked final dividend of 1.25 cents per share this quarter, culminating in a total of 2.25
cents per share in total dividends for FY24.
FY25 will see business momentum continue and we expect the closure of the merger with Karora to occur
tomorrow (1 August 2024). The resulting merged entity, Westgold 3.0, becomes a top 5, well-funded and
unhedged Australian gold producer. As an integrated owner miner and driller with a proven record for delivering
cost effective resource growth, Westgold 3.0 has enviable growth potential with multiple organic opportunities
and 3,200km2 of exploration tenure across two strategic Western Australian gold districts.”
Executive Summary – June Quarter
Westgold added $16M in cash and bullion during the quarter, closing the quarter with $263M (see Figure 1).
This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of cash build, demonstrating consistent financial performance by
Westgold, with $71M built over the financial year.
$104M in Cash, Bullion & Liquids build over six consecutive quarters ($M)
+$71M
build in FY24
+$16M
238
+$25M
263
+$9M
+$21M
247
217
+$24M
+$104M
192
+$9M
159
Q2
FY23
168
Q3
FY23
Q4
FY23
Q1
FY24
Q2
FY24
Q3
FY24
Q4
FY24
Figure 1: Sixth consecutive quarter of Cash, Bullion and Liquids build ($M)
Westgold produced 52,795oz in Q4 FY24 (a 1% increase on Q3 FY24) at an All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of
$2,041/oz. Costs per ounce decreased from Q3 FY24 AISC of $2,492/oz mainly due to stockpile build-ups,
the cessation of mining at Paddy’s Flat and slightly higher quarter on quarter production in Q4 FY24.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
2
68,377
63,104
59,238
52,795
52,100
Gold production (oz)
Q4 FY23
Q1 FY24
Q2 FY24
Q3 FY24
3,041
3,137
Q4 FY24
3,493
2,721
1,780
2,888
1,935
122
122
2,245
133
Achieved gold price ($/oz)
2,492
2,041
130
AISC ($/oz)
-17%
108
AISC ($M)
Q4 FY23
Q1 FY24
Q2 FY24
Q3 FY24
Q4 FY24
Figure 2: Westgold Production (oz), Achieved Gold Price and AISC ($/oz)
The Company sold 58,575 oz of gold for the quarter at an achieved gold price of $3,493/oz, generating $205M
in revenue. With Westgold free of any fixed forward sales contracts, the company continues to be favourably
exposed to the elevated spot prices.
Westgold’s operations generated $77M of mine operating cashflows with the achieved gold price $1,452/oz
over AISC.
Total AISC for Q4 FY24 of $108M decreased by 7% (Q3 FY24 AISC of $130M) due to stockpile build-ups at
Starlight and Big Bell, the cessation of mining at Paddy’s Flat at the end of Q3 FY24 and slightly higher quarter
on quarter production.
Capital expenditure during Q4 FY24 of $64M increased compared to the prior quarter (Q3 FY24 $34M). This
reflects the continued investment and ramp up of the Great Fingall and Fender development projects,
ongoing expansion activities at the Bluebird, Big Bell and Starlight underground mines and upgrades to
processing facilities and camp infrastructure.
Investment in exploration and resource development of $8M for the quarter resulted in meeting the FY24
exploration expenditure guidance of $25M (Q3 FY24 $6M). The net mine cash inflow for Q4 FY24 was $5M
(refer Table 1 under Group Performance Metrics).
June 2024 Quarterly Report
3
Adjusted full year guidance achieved
In FY24 Westgold produced 227koz of gold at an AISC of $2,164/oz, achieving both its group production and
cost guidance (see Table 1). The growth capital guidance was exceeded due to ongoing expansion activities
at the Bluebird, Big Bell and Starlight underground mines and the Fender mine, after early delays during Q3,
only achieving commercial production on 1 July 2024.
Table 1: FY24 Group Guidance vs Actual
Group Guidance vs Actual
Production (oz)
AISC ($/oz)
Growth Capex ($M) Exploration ($M)
FY24 Adjusted Guidance
220,000 – 230,000
2,100 – 2,300
130
25
FY24 Actuals
227,237
2,164
157
25
After considered assessment of options that could be fast tracked to recover lost Q3 production
predominantly as a result of the closure of the Paddy’s Flat mine, the Company took the conservative
approach of revising its full year FY24 production guidance on 3 April 2024 to 220,000 – 230,000 ounces at an
all-in sustaining cost of $2,100 – $2,300/oz 1.
Westgold merger with Karora
On 8 April 2024, Westgold and Karora announced that they have agreed to combine in a merger pursuant to
which Westgold will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Karora by way of a
statutory plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act (“Transaction”).
The Transaction, which is due to complete 1 August 2024, represents a transformational step change in
growth for both Westgold and Karora shareholders. It creates a well-funded, globally investable, mid-tier gold
producer operating exclusively in Western Australia which is fully leveraged to the prevailing gold price. The
combination represents a highly complementary merger of cash generating mining and processing assets,
people and balance sheet.
For more information on the Transaction, please refer to ASX release titled “A New 400kozpa Australian Gold
Producer” – 8 April 2024.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
The Westgold Sustainability Committee (Board Sub-committee) approved Westgold’s ESG Framework for
implementation, fully supporting the Company’s growth ambitions, systems development, continuous
improvement strategies and adoption of sustainable practices.
■
Our People, Safety, Health, the Environment and Community
Westgold continued improvement key ‘People’ metrics in Q4 FY24. Employee turnover continues to
decrease quarter on quarter following improvements to the Company’s employee benefits programmes
in Q2 FY24, while Indigenous employment and new-starters increased over the same period. Westgold is
committed to attracting and retaining talent with a renewed focus on improving our recruitment and
leadership training processes.
1
Refer to ASX announcement titled “Q3, FY24 Production Update” – 3 April 2024
June 2024 Quarterly Report
4
Safety performance continued to improve, with TRIFR for the quarter of 6.85 injuries per million hours
worked, representing a reduction of 6.20% quarter on quarter and 18% for the full year. High Potential
Event frequency increased marginally, and Lost Time Injuries reduced for the quarter. The Company’s
Significant Psychosocial Harm Events and Significant Environmental Incident Frequency Rates
remained at 0.00 with no events reported for the period.
20
18.44
18% reduction
in TRIFR in FY24
14.36
9
15
9.03
6
8.37
8.82
7.75
10
7.30
6.85
3
0
5
0.86
0.60
Q1 FY23
Q2 FY23
0.00
Q3 FY23
Recordable Injuries
0.64
0.98
0.97
0.63
0.62
Q4 FY23
Q1 FY24
Q2 FY24
Q3 FY24
Q4 FY24
12 Month LTIFR
12 Month rolling Injury Frequency Rate
(injuries/million hours worked)
Total Recordable Injury (TRI) count
12
0
12 Month TRIFR
Figure 3: Westgold continues to improve its TRIFR, which in Q4, FY24 dropped to 6.85 /million hours worked
During the quarter, senior Westgold Leaders coordinated and attended Community Engagement
meetings at Cue and Meekatharra, with the primary objective of increasing our engagement through
open and transparent communications. Westgold has committed to continuing these Community
Engagement meetings on a biannual basis.
Community Engagement Session – Cue
June 2024 Quarterly Report
5
Westgold had the pleasure of hosting 30 scholars and 8 educators from the remote Karalundi College at
our Canning Vale Training Centre. Karalundi College is a year 7-10 co-educational boarding school for
Aboriginal students located 60km north of Meekatharra and forms part of the Westgold local community.
Karalundi College Students at Canning Vale Training Centre
June 2024 Quarterly Report
6
Group Performance Metrics
Westgold’s quarterly physical and financial outputs for Q4 FY24 are summarised in Table 2 below.
The Group operates across the Murchison and Bryah regions of Western Australia with the Murchison
Operations incorporating three underground mines (Big Bell, Fender and Bluebird) and two processing hubs
(Tuckabianna and Bluebird) between Cue and Meekatharra. The Bryah Operation is 160km by road from
Meekatharra and incorporates the Starlight underground mine and the Fortnum processing hub.
Table 2: Westgold Q4 FY24 Performance
Murchison
Bryah
Group
Jun Qtr
Jun Qtr
Jun Qtr
FY24
FY24
FY24
Group
FY24
Physical Summary
Units
ROM - UG Ore Mined
UG Grade Mined
Ore Processed
Head Grade
Recovery
Gold Produced
Gold Sold
Achieved Gold Price
t
g/t
t
g/t
%
oz
oz
A$/oz
490,188
2.3
672,190
1.8
88
33,893
39,896
3,493
148,628
3.9
190,699
3.2
96
18,902
18,679
3,493
638,816
2.7
862,889
2.1
89
52,795
58,575
3,493
2,443,136
2.7
3,481,765
2.3
89
227,237
227,691
3,135
Cost Summary
Mining
Processing
Admin
Stockpile Movements
Royalties
Cash Cost (produced oz)
Corporate Costs
Sustaining Capital
All-in Sustaining Costs
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
A$/oz
817
764
194
59
99
1,933
35
459
2,427
556
453
103
(239)
90
963
47
338
1,348
723
653
162
(48)
96
1,586
39
416
2,041
904
580
134
79
94
1,791
45
328
2,164
118
66
184
712
(82)
36
(44)
(13)
(7)
(28)
(25)
41
(7)
(1)
(1)
32
(108)
77
(51)
(13)
(8)
5
(492)
221
(125)
(32)
(25)
39
Notional Cashflow Summary
Notional Revenue (produced
oz)
All-in Sustaining Costs
Mine Operating Cashflow
Growth Capital
Plant and Equipment
Exploration Spend
Net Mine Cashflow
June 2024 Quarterly Report
A$ M
A$ M
A$ M
A$ M
A$ M
A$ M
A$ M
7
Operations Overview
Q4 FY24 Group Performance
Westgold processed 862,889t (Q3 FY24 – 865,720t) of ore in total at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au (Q3 FY24 –
2.1g/t Au), producing 52,795oz of gold (Q3 FY24 – 52,100oz). Gold production was slightly higher than the
previous quarter predominantly due to exceptional results from Starlight.
Group AISC in Q4 FY24 decreased quarter on quarter to $108M (Q3 FY24 - $130M). The $22M decrease was
driven predominantly by the stockpile build-ups at Starlight and Big Bell in addition to the cessation of mining
at Paddy’s Flat, with the mine transitioning to an exploration phase in March.
For Q4 FY24 on a mine by mine basis:
■
Starlight had a stellar quarter - producing 149kt of ore at 3.9g/t Au for 19koz. The large Nightfall
stope planned for production early in the quarter 2 delivered to expectations and contributed to the
quarter-on-quarter production improvement. With the next stope in the current level now fired and the
high-grade structure having been exposed on the next two mining levels during the quarter, Nightfall is
expected to continue delivering strong production results. Development is continuing to accelerate
with the top down and bottom-up access to the Nightfall area which is expected to increase Nightfall
mining rates.
■
Bluebird produced 96kt of ore mined at 3.6g/t Au for 11koz - improvements in mine dilution have
continued to have positive outcomes, however production was slightly down on the previous quarter as
the mine will now transition the plan to the large bulk mining areas in South-Junction over the coming
half. This will allow a re-optimisation of the Bluebird mining areas and materially increase outputs.
■
Big Bell produced 319kt of ore mined at 1.9g/t Au for 19koz, a record output on tonnes - ore tonnes
mined were higher than the previous quarter and mined grades were in line with the prior quarter as
mining continued to focus on the lower grade southern side of the cave. The next level, the 710
commenced during the quarter, which allowed the North side to re-start, albeit at comparatively low
mining rates.
Decline development for Big Bell Deeps (the long hole open stoping mine) continues with production
anticipated to commence in late H1 FY25. Paste infrastructure works are well advanced with surface
holes completed, paste plant supply and install contract executed and underground infrastructure
works progressing.
■
Fender delivered 74kt of ore at 2.3g/t Au for 6koz – the ramp up has continued with the mine now at
steady state and commercial production achieved on 1 July.
■
Great Fingall Development Project - is well progressed with the decline advancing ahead of schedule.
The initial drilling supporting early access to mineralisation in the shallower portions of the mine were
completed during the quarter.
2
Refer to ASX announcement titled “March 2024 Quarterly Report”, dated 24 April 2024
June 2024 Quarterly Report
8
Table 3: Q4 FY24 Processing Physicals
■
Murchison
Ore Milled
(‘000 t)
Head Grade
(g/t)
Recovery
(%)
Q4 Gold Production
(Oz)
Bluebird
98
3.56
93
10,466
Fender
58
2.44
86
3,906
Open Pit & Low Grade 3
210
0.73
84
4,134
Bluebird Hub
366
1.76
89
18,506
Big Bell
276
1.95
86
14,864
Open Pit & Low Grade
30
0.64
76
524
Tuckabianna Hub
306
1.82
86
15,388
Bryah
Ore Milled
(‘000 t)
Head Grade
(g/t)
Recovery
(%)
Q3 Gold Production
(Oz)
Starlight
135
4.13
96
16,693
Open Pit & Low Grade
56
1.32
96
2,209
Fortnum Hub
191
3.2
96
18,902
Group Total – 3 Hubs
863
2.1
89
52,795
Exploration and studies
Westgold continued to invest in drilling with up to thirteen underground and surface drill rigs operating
across the business during the quarter, along with purchasing a further six new machines to increase
overall drilling capacity. The Exploration team’s focus remains the extension of mine planning horizons
in the four key operating mines and the definition of opportunities in the shallow, upper areas of Great
Fingall.
Westgold has extensive organic growth opportunities. Optimisation studies continue on previously
paused assets, along with work on other near mine opportunities in the existing mines. A shallow
mining opportunity in the upper areas of Great Fingall that has the potential to be accessed without
impacting the decline advance to the virgin ore at depth.
■
Operating Costs
The June quarter saw the Group AISC decrease (Q4 FY24 $108M vs Q3 FY24 $130M), driven by:
o
3
Stockpile build-up (non-cash) - Build-up of ~19kt of high-grade stockpiles at Starlight due to
Fortnum processing hub blending high grade ore with low grade stockpiles to maintain recoveries
and Big Bell building ~64kt mined ore stockpiles due to rain intermittently impacting the ability to
haul to the Bluebird processing hub. This conversely resulted in stockpile drawdowns with higher
consumption of open pit and low-grade stockpiles at the Bluebird processing hub. Overall,
across the Group there was a net build-up of stockpiles (Q4 FY24 $2.5M build-up vs Q3 FY24
$10.1M drawdown).
Includes low grade ore mined at Big Bell and trucked to Bluebird
June 2024 Quarterly Report
9
o
Mining costs decreases - cessation of mining at Paddy’s Flat in Q3 with ~$8M in associated
mining costs not incurred in Q4.
80
75
70
2,619
2,183
2,097
1,861
65
1,790
60
55
2,309
45
41
40
42
38
2,209
40
2,342 2,370
1,842
40
45
0
42
40
Apr
23
May
23
Jun
23
Jul
23
Aug
23
Sep
23
Oct
23
38
AISC ($M)
Nov Dec
23
23
Jan
24
2,000
1,500
50
35
0
2,500
1,983
1,947
48
42
2,490
2,230
1,427
50
3,000
Feb
24
Mar
24
35
35
Apr
24
May
24
38
-500
-1,000
Jun
24
-1,500
AISC/oz ($/oz)
Figure 4: Westgold Monthly AISC ($’m) & ($/oz)
■
Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure during Q4 FY24 of $64M was higher than the prior quarter (Q3 FY24, $34M) due to:
o
acceleration of the Great Fingall development and Big Bell expansion - including paste plant
infrastructure along with development of all infrastructure drives underground;
o
delayed commercial production of the Fender underground mine to 1 July 2024 - following
early delays with power infrastructure and flooding;
o
accelerated expansion of the existing underground mines – including Bluebird (early works
expansion activities on the ventilation systems, development of drill platforms and access for the
South Junction lodes) and Starlight (additional jumbo for the expansion at the Nightfall lode); and
o
processing facilities upgrades - tailings storage facilities, girth gears, CIL tanks and agitators)
and;
o
camp infrastructure improvements - camp expansion at Big Bell and construction of
recreational facilities.
Exploration and resource development spend was approximately $8M for the quarter (Q3 FY24 - $6M),
resulting in the full year spend totalling $25M as per the FY24 exploration expenditure guidance.
Westgold continues to invest in exploration with up to 13 underground and surface drill rigs operating
across the business during the quarter.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
10
Bryah Operation
Westgold’s Bryah Operation is underpinned by the Starlight underground mine supplying ore to the Fortnum
processing hub. Fortnum throughput is also supplemented with previously mined regional open pit ore and
surface stocks (see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Westgold’s Bryah Operation
The Bryah Operations produced 18,902oz in Q4 FY24 (Q3 FY24 – 12,960oz) at an AISC of $1,348/oz (Q3 –
$2,254/oz).
Figure 6 below summarises the key outputs and costs by quarter at the Bryah Operation.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
11
2,500
2,271
2,256
44,000
2,254
2,000
1,804
1,500
1,348
1,000
500
18,902
15,866
13,212
33,000
22,000
12,960
11,025
11,000
0
-500
Q4 FY23
Q1 FY24
Q2 FY24
Production (oz)
Q3 FY24
Q4 FY24
0
AISC/oz ($/oz)
Figure 6: Bryah Gold Production and AISC
■
Fortnum Processing Hub
Fortnum processed 190,699t of ore (Q3 FY24 – 185,842t) at a grade of 3.2g/t Au (Q3 FY24 – 2.3g/t) and
96% metallurgical recovery, resulting in 18,902oz of gold being produced (Q3 FY24 – 12,960oz).
Increased feed grade, as a result of increased ore from Nightfall drove the substantial increase in
quarter-on-quarter gold production. The replacement pebble crusher installation will occur during July,
with commissioning to occur early August is anticipated to increase throughput rates at the mill.
■
Starlight Underground
The mine produced 148,628t (Q3 FY24 – 140,315t) of ore at a grade of 3.9g/t Au (Q3 FY24 – 2.6g/t) for
18.8koz mined (Q3 FY24 – 11.7koz).
As previously flagged4, a large Nightfall stope mined this quarter delivered a substantial production
uplift, driving the strong quarter on quarter production improvement. This system continues along the
current mining level and, during the quarter, the high-grade structure was exposed on the next two
levels in the mine. Development has accelerated, with the top down and bottom-up access to the
Nightfall area to enable increased mining rates from these very high grade zones.
■
Near Mine Exploration and Development
The significant investment Westgold has made in drilling at Starlight over the last eighteen months has
delivered a significant increase in Mineral Resources 5. A total Mineral Resources Estimate for
Starlight of 590koz post mining depletion has been reported, representing an increase of 41% on
the end of FY23 reported Mineral Resource Estimate 6.
4
Refer to ASX announcement titled “March 2024 Quarterly Report”, dated 24 April 2024
5
Refer to ASX announcement titled “Starlight Mineral Resource increases by 41%”, dated 11 June 2024
6
Refer to ASX announcement titled “Westgold 2023 Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves”, dated 11 September 2023
June 2024 Quarterly Report
12
Encouraged by this excellent outcome, Westgold has maintained the pace of drilling actives with three
rigs continuing to work underground at Starlight. These rigs are focused on defining near-term
extensions to the prolific Nightfall area of the mine which is underpinning the continued
outperformance of Starlight versus budget expectations, as well as outlining longer term opportunities
in the Waterbore area.
Results such as 9.95m at 10.8g/t Au from 69m in NF1140GC127 and 19.21m at 6.1g/t Au from 66m
NF1140GC129 at Nightfall and the previously announced 6.46m at 17.2 g/t Au from 136.5m in
WB1270RD02 and 2.2m at 27.35 g/t Au from 72.4m in WB1270RD17 at Waterbore 7 demonstrate
Westgold’s ability to simultaneously achieve effective and efficient production outcomes and Mineral
Resource growth.
Figure 7: Starlight schematic long-section showing significant intersections.
Refer to Appendix A for details of significant drilling results from Fortnum.
7
Refer to ASX announcement titled “Starlight Mineral Resource increases by 41%”, dated 11 June 2024
June 2024 Quarterly Report
13
Murchison Operations
The Murchison Operations comprise of three operating underground mines (Big Bell, Bluebird and Fender),
one mine in development (Great Fingall) and two existing processing hubs (the 1.6-1.8Mtpa Bluebird plant at
Meekatharra and the 1.4Mtpa Tuckabianna plant near Cue).
The combined Murchison Operations produced 33,893oz (Q3 FY24 – 39,140oz) at an AISC of $2,427/oz
(Q3 FY24 – $2,569/oz). The lower production compared to the prior quarter (see Figure 8) is due to the lack of
Paddy’s Flat in the blend. In addition, processing was impacted by ongoing persistent rains later in the quarter
limiting the ability to replenish depleted mill ROMs.
Though mill ROMs were low at the end of the quarter, ~64kt of mined ore was built on the Big Bell mine ROMs
for haulage in Q1 FY25.
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
-500
-1,000
-1,500
-2,000
-2,500
-3,000
2,569
1,662
1,867
2,427
2,407
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
55,165
60,000
52,080
43,372
39,140
50,000
33,893
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
Q4 FY23
Q1 FY24
Q2 FY24
Production (oz)
Q3 FY24
Q4 FY24
0
AISC/oz ($/oz)
Figure 8: Murchison Gold Production and AISC
Meekatharra
The Bluebird processing hub treats ore from the Bluebird, Fender and Big Bell underground mines, plus various
surface stockpiles in the region (refer Figure 9).
■
Bluebird Processing Hub
The Bluebird processing hub produced 18,506oz (Q3 FY24 – 23,002oz) by processing 365,763t of ore
(Q3 FY24 – 357,955). The replacement of Paddy’s Flat ore with lower grade Fender ore, along with
increased proportions of very low grade regional stockpiles, impacted mill feed grades in Q4 (1.8g/t Au
vs Q3 FY24 2.2g/t).
Rain and subsequent road closures impacted the ability to replenish the depleted ROMs from the
previous quarter, reducing milling rates during each rain event. Recovery was steady at 89%.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
14
Figure 9: Murchison Operations
■
Bluebird Underground
The Bluebird mine produced 95,939t at 3.55g/t Au for the quarter, with ore production and grade
marginally lower quarter on quarter (Q3 FY24 – 103,207t, 3.9g/t). As highlighted in the March quarter,
changes to mining controls have significantly improved dilution in the stopes, albeit at the cost of
reduced mining rates. Focus now is to opening more working areas in Bluebird, along with accelerating
mining into the bulk South Junction ore system, readily accessible off existing level access drives and
infrastructure.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
15
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Bluebird Near Mine Exploration and Development
Westgold’s significant investment in drilling at Bluebird – South Junction continues with multiple rigs
active on both surface and underground extending the footprint of this +2Moz system 8. Better results
returned from the underground drilling fleet this quarter include 31.37m at 5.55g/t Au from 122m and
15.5m at 4.62g/t Au from 158m in 24BLDD064, 18.9m at 3.65g/t Au from 293m in 24BLDD066 and
9.25m at 3.79g/t Au from 122m in 24BLDD095.
Mine planning works for the first in a series of large South Junction open stopes have been completed,
with development having advanced into this zone at the end of the quarter. Along with the ongoing
focus on expanding the footprint of Bluebird - South Junction system, the technical team is advancing
backfill studies for the mine to ensure that Westgold can extract maximum value from this rapidly
expanding high-grade system.
Figure 10: Bluebird schematic long-section showing significant intersections.
Refer to Appendix B for details of significant drilling results from Meekatharra.
8
Refer to ASX announcement titled “Bluebird-South Junction Increases to 6.4Mt at 3.1 gpt Au”, dated 16 April 2024
June 2024 Quarterly Report
16
Cue
Westgold’s Tuckabianna processing hub treats ore from the Big Bell underground mine at Cue, supplemented
with regional open pit ore and surface stocks.
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Tuckabianna Processing Hub
The Tuckabianna processing hub produced 15,388oz of gold in Q4 FY24 (Q3 FY24 – 16,138oz).
The hub processed 306,427t of ore (Q3 FY24 – 321,923t) at a grade of 1.8 g/t Au (Q3 FY24 – 1.8g/t) and
recovery of 86% (Q3 FY24 – 86%), in line with the prior quarter. Access to higher grade ore was at times
restricted by persistent rains preventing stockpiles being built at the mill, ultimately restricting mill
throughput late in the quarter. The mill ROM was low at end of the quarter, however, ~64kt of mined ore
has been built at the mine ROM at Big Bell, ready for haulage to the mill.
Big Bell Underground
The Big Bell mine produced 318,872t at 1.9 g/t Au for the quarter, a record tonnage output.
Production rates significantly up and grades slightly lower in Q4 FY24 (Q3 FY24 – 253,058t at 2.04g/t
Au). Production rates were up with the effect efficiency improvements implemented at Big Bell. The
marginally lower grades were in line with expectation whilst mining predominantly from the lower grade
south side of the cave. The next level of the cave commenced late in the quarter and will allow mining
on the Northern cave fronts to recommence, albeit at a very low percentage of the mined material
overall.
Development of the deeps is progressing, with access to the first stoping level underway. Surface paste
holes have been completed, contract for the supply and installation of the paste plant has been
executed and underground infrastructure works are well advanced.
■
Fender Underground
The Fender underground mine delivered 74,407t at 2.3 g/t Au for the quarter.
Fender production has now reached steady state and commercial production levels achieved.
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Great Fingall Development Project
The Great Fingall decline has continued to progress well, with decline advance rates continuing to
exceed assumptions in the feasibility study. Phase one of the primary ventilation circuit has been
completed with initial fans installed on the first large diameter vent raise.
Dewatering of the Great Fingall and Golden Crown workings is underway in preparation for
development under the historic workings, expected to commence in H2 FY25.
June 2024 Quarterly Report
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Cue Near Mine Exploration and Development
At Big Bell, Westgold continues to progress the establishment of paste plant infrastructure to support
the commencement of the Big Bell Expansion Longhole Open Stope (LHOS) mine. During the quarter
the surface paste delivery holes were completed and are now being equipped, and focus has turned to
the establishment of the underground component of the paste delivery network.
Resource drilling at Big Bell is ongoing and continues to extend and optimise the mine plan. Better
results from this work include 10.9m at 3.81g/t Au from 143m in 24BBDD0026 in the Little Bell area of
the mine which
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